As we head towards the January transfer window, fans around the country take it upon themselves to decide who should be signed for their club – usually with some comic effect thrown in for good measure.

We have been weak, this season, in certain areas – and we absolutely need some fresh blood and positive signings in our own squad.

Times are hard, though, and usually players need to leave before new signings are confirmed. So, who should be leaving the Britannia Stadium?

1. Maurice Edu

The American midfielder has had what can best be described as a bit-part since signing under Tony Pulis. He’s made little impact on the pitch, and is rarely named on the substitutes bench.

The loan signings of Stephen Ireland and Oussama Assaidi, along with Hughes’ new style of play, has left Edu’s role of defensive midfielder redundant – and somewhat unneeded at the club.

2. Brek Shea

Another American who hasn’t quite made it at the club, he’s struggled for form and fitness since joining the Potters – although he’s still highly rated State-side and by national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

It seems a waste of talent to allow Brek to simply ply his trade in the development squad, and during his time in the first team has seemed off the pace of the English game.

Loaning him out for the remainder of the season to a Championship or League One team may benefit his game – and benefit us next season.

Stoke City should let Kenwyne Jones leave in January (Picture: Reuters)

3. Kenwyne Jones

As good a player as Kenwyne can be, he has more frustrating than successful appearances.

In Hughes’ current tactics, Jones just doesn’t fit – he’s simply the wrong type of striker for the lone role which Peter Crouch is succeeding in.

A permanent transfer away from the Potteries is needed – and with teams like Swansea rumoured to be interested in him, it could be the perfect time to cash in on the Trinidadian.

4. Jermaine Pennant

Last season, Pennant was dropped from the first team for his off-field antics by then-manager Pulis. Pulis also convinced chairman Peter Coates not to renew Pennant’s contract.

Mark Hughes’ first signing as Stoke boss was Pennant – just days after his contract expired.

Since them, the right winger has made few appearances for the club, and has since disappeared off the radar.

There’s no logical reason to keep Jermaine at the club, so a loan move would be perfect if no permanent deal is forthcoming.

5. Matthew Etherington

Matty has had shown some terrific performances in the red-and-white stripes.

As sad as it’ll be to see him leave, we have better left wingers in our ranks – and Matty just seems one or two feet off the pace.

Pulis may be looking at taking some of his former players to his new job at Crystal Palace – and Etherington may be the type of player he’s looking for at Selhurst Park.